Missing North Carolina Woman Found Alive After 25 Years

Michele Hundley Smith disappeared in 2001 but has now been located, though her current whereabouts remain undisclosed.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A North Carolina woman named Michele Hundley Smith who went missing in 2001 at the age of 38 has been found alive, according to the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office. Investigators made contact with Smith on February 20th at an undisclosed location within the state, and she has requested that her current whereabouts remain private. Her family has been notified that she is safe, and no charges are expected.

Why it matters

This case has captivated the community for over two decades, with multiple agencies collaborating to try and locate Smith. Her sudden reappearance after such a long time will undoubtedly raise many questions about what happened during her disappearance and where she has been living all these years.

The details

Smith was reported missing in December 2001 after leaving her home to go Christmas shopping and never returning. Over the years, the case drew the attention of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the FBI, but her location remained a mystery. Authorities have not released any details about where Smith has been or why she left.

  • Michele Hundley Smith went missing in December 2001 at the age of 38.
  • On February 19, 2026, detectives received a tip about Smith's location.
  • On February 20, 2026, investigators made contact with Smith at an undisclosed location within North Carolina.

The players

Michele Hundley Smith

A 62-year-old woman who went missing from her home in North Carolina in 2001 at the age of 38, but has now been found alive.

Barbara Byrd

Smith's cousin, who expressed relief and lingering questions about her disappearance and reappearance.

Rockingham County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that located Smith and announced her discovery.

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI)

One of the agencies that collaborated on the case over the years to try and find Smith.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Another agency that was involved in the investigation into Smith's disappearance.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The third agency that assisted in the search for Smith over the past 25 years.

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What they’re saying

“I kind of want to go outside and scream, 'She's alive, she's alive,'”

— Barbara Byrd, Smith's cousin (WFMY)

“My biggest question is to her What happened all those years ago in December? What made you leave? What happened?”

— Barbara Byrd, Smith's cousin (WFMY)

“For years, we didn't know if we were grieving or waiting.”

— Barbara Byrd, Smith's cousin (WFMY)

“I understand and respect that she doesn't want any of us to contact her. I'm not angry. The biggest answer I had today was she was alive. Nothing else matters right at this moment.”

— Barbara Byrd, Smith's cousin (WFMY)

What’s next

Authorities have not released any additional details about where Smith has been living for the past 25 years or the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. It remains to be seen if she will eventually choose to share more about her experiences.

The takeaway

This remarkable case highlights the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up hope, even in the face of decades-long mysteries. While many questions remain unanswered, the fact that Smith has been found alive after all this time is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement and the resilience of the human spirit.